Just Bought My First Astro!

[costman13]

Hey All,
I just bought my first Astro! A 1999 Astro AWD with 154k miles .

I was referred over here from Expedition Portal, where I have been a member for some years and had chronicled my previous build, (2002 Tacoma) which was stolen last year.

I will be starting a build thread shortly, as I have some plans to mold this van into a capable weekend camper.

I'm happy to have found the forum and can't wait to learn from you all.

Cam

Also - Here are a few photos.

[Astrophysics]

Hi,

Great van

Welcome.

LED dome lights for easy first update.

2" lift kit would be nice.

Aux tranny cooler.

2 piece radiator shroud.

Fit in a full size spare to replace skinny temp spare.




AP

[costman13]

Hey AP,

I have plans for somewhat of a 4" Hodgepodge setup with either 235/75 R15 or 30x9.5 R15 AT of some kind.

From all that I can see (please correct me if I am wrong), I can source all the parts individually (including s10 leaf springs) as opposed to an OLV or Journey's kit and save quite a few bucks. A lot of bucks if going with a full 2-5" OLV kit. I would also rather have a replacement spring pack than drop brackets as provided by the Journey's / OLV kits. I would think with the right shock / valving and a new set of s10 springs, you could get a solid 4" out of the rear.

[Astrophysics]

Hi Cam,

The Journeys Off Road kit and the Overland kit. does have a nice "relocation bracket" for the front bumper.
I have the Overland Kit 2" kit with rear shackles. I also have Monroe air shocks in rear.

I did not crank the torsion bars up front.

The 2" lift is very good and you may find that it is good enough.

Your Astro may have 3.42 axle ratio or if you are lucky maybe 3.73 with the AWD and tow package.

You are smart not to go too big on tires since they do lug the rig unless lower axle is installed.

Now i am in the process of installing a manual shift 2 speed np231C transfer case with the cable shift kit from JB Custom Fabrication of Salem Oregon. This will replace the stock np136 single speed case.

My 2003 AWD Astro had 130,000 miles.

Other mods that i added include 68" long 2x2 steel tubing which connects the rear leaf spring hanger to the front sub frame. I used heavy uni strut flat plate and angle and wing fittings to attach it. It was a lot of work but it gave me solid rail to mount the Nerf bars on sides to act as simple rock rails and side steps.
I also mounted 3/4" plywood to the rear side walls and put 5/8" plywood on the floor to create hard points. Then I mounted inside spare tire bracket and inside jerry can bracket.

You will love your Astro.

The fun of having enough room inside for mt bikes, camping gear etc.
AP

[Herbie]

Welcome, costman13!

Off to a good start with pictures. I love that color.

As others have mentioned, high on the list for the Astro/Safari, especially for overlanding types, should be a transmission cooler. There are several sticky threads here on which kit to get and how to install, but the short version is that it's cheap insurance if you're going to be going up/down mountains or driving slow on trails.

A DIY lift kit is perfectly doable, especially if your tire/lift goals are modest. As others have said, the bumper-relocation bracket in the kits is nice, but can also usually be ordered separately or fabbed DIY if you're handy, so do it whichever way works for you.

[costman13]

Hey Herbie, Thanks again for sending me over here. There looks to be quite a bit of useful info.

I plan get a van thread going before too long. I'll be picking the van up early next week and hope to get suspension going shortly there after.

Any idea what rear end / gearing this van may have? It's a 99 AWD Astro LT. It does have a hitch receiver & wiring, but that may have been added after purchase.

Cam

[Herbie]

Any idea what rear end / gearing this van may have? It's a 99 AWD Astro LT. It does have a hitch receiver & wiring, but that may have been added after purchase.

Cam, you need to look for the RPO codes. On a 99 I think they're on the passenger door, but they could be elsewhere (glovebox?). Look for a sticker like this:


Then compare the codes against this thread.

The particular codes of interest for the gear ratio are:
GT4 Rear Axle: 3.73 Ratio
GT5 Rear Axle: 4:10 Ratio
GU5 Rear Axle: 3.23 Ratio
GU6 Rear Axle: 3.42 Ratio
G80 Rear Axle: Positraction

[Mmusicman]

Welcome from South Florida!
That's a nice clean van you found there!
You're gonna love it! Enjoy!

[costman13]

Any idea what rear end / gearing this van may have? It's a 99 AWD Astro LT. It does have a hitch receiver & wiring, but that may have been added after purchase.

Cam, you need to look for the RPO codes. On a 99 I think they're on the passenger door, but they could be elsewhere (glovebox?). Look for a sticker like this:


Then compare the codes against this thread.

The particular codes of interest for the gear ratio are:
GT4 Rear Axle: 3.73 Ratio
GT5 Rear Axle: 4:10 Ratio
GU5 Rear Axle: 3.23 Ratio
GU6 Rear Axle: 3.42 Ratio
G80 Rear Axle: Positraction

Awesome - Will do. Thank you!

Cam

[costman13]

Welcome from South Florida!
That's a nice clean van you found there!
You're gonna love it! Enjoy!

Thanks!